Veneers are a great way to brighten your teeth, make them more uniformly shaped and evenly spaced, and help you get a more dazzling smile. But beyond the cosmetic value of dental veneers, did you know there are many noncosmetic reasons to consider them?
At Meadowbrook Dental Care in Mineola, New York, residents of Long Island can benefit from the general and cosmetic dentistry expertise of Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr.. He often recommends custom veneers to patients with a variety of common dental concerns. If you’re unhappy with your teeth, or you want to improve your oral health, veneers may be the answer. Here are a few noncosmetic advantages that veneers offer.
Veneers are thin, but strong enough to reinforce weak teeth
Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain, resin, or composite shells that bond to the surface of your individual teeth. While veneers appear delicate, they add strength to weak teeth. Once bonded to your teeth with dental bonding materials, they become a permanent part of your new, improved smile.
In addition to making your teeth look better, if you have a chipped or cracked tooth, a veneer reinforces the tooth and can help prevent further damage. A veneer on the front of a cracked tooth may also help you avoid the need for a dental crown that covers the entire tooth.
Veneers correct minor orthodontic problems
Instead of braces or Invisalign®, you may be able to correct some orthodontic issues with veneers.
Minor misalignments
Minor misalignments and crooked teeth are often easily remedied with custom veneers. And, once your teeth are more evenly aligned, they’re much easier to brush and floss and keep free from decay.
Plaque and bacteria build up along overlapping teeth so you’re unable to thoroughly clean them, and this can lead to cavities. Veneers can give you an even brushing surface so your at-home dental care is an easier, more effective process. By improving the aesthetics of your teeth, you’re ultimately improving your oral health as well.
Gaps between your teeth
Unevenly spaced teeth pose the same problem as overlapping teeth in that they make spaces for food, bacteria, and plaque to accumulate. Eventually, if tartar builds up along your gums, you can end up with the early stages of gum disease, or gingivitis. That in turn can lead to periodontitis and tooth loss.
Custom veneers can close the gaps between your teeth so they’re easier to brush and easier to keep clean, and you get a more beautiful smile as an added bonus.
Veneers can protect your teeth from enamel erosion
Enamel protects your teeth from tooth sensitivity, decay, and wear over the years. Some people are simply born with weaker enamel than other people, so their enamel wears away faster. When this happens, you can experience extra sensitivity to foods, drinks, and even bodily fluids like stomach acid that contribute to enamel erosion.
Once you lose enamel, it doesn’t grow back. Damage is irreversible. In addition to the extra sensitivity, your teeth can become discolored, cracked, and stained, too.
Veneers are an added layer of protection for your teeth that can reduce enamel erosion and minimize tooth sensitivity, thereby keeping your mouth healthier in the long run. And, they make your smile more aesthetically attractive.
You might be considering veneers for their cosmetic value, and you’re not wrong. But we don’t want you to limit this nearly immediate dental solution to just cosmetics. If you’re concerned about any of the noncosmetic conditions discussed above, you may be an ideal candidate for custom veneers.
To learn more, make an appointment with Dr. Casañas or Dr. Silfa through our online booking system today. You can also call the friendly staff at Meadowbrook Dental Care at 516-231-1742 to schedule a consultation.